Almaty flea market fire sum up

Vice-Minister of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan Zhanbolat Smailov pesonally led the alarm response group of the Ministry of Emergency Situations that worked at the Almaty flea market fire site, Tengrinews reports citing the press-service of the Ministry. The fire was completely extinguished by midnight of November 17-18. According to the Emergency Situations Department of Almaty, the fire started at the night before and damaged Zhana Kulager, Aral and Eurasia sections of the Almaty flea market. The fire was stopped from spreading at 11:08 a.m. 300 firefighters and 41 fire engines were involved in the firefighting operation and emergency rescue works of the Emergency Situations Department of Almaty. A KA-32 helicopter of KazAviaSpas emergency service helped extinguish the fire during the whole day until it started getting dark. The helicopter was releasing water onto the fire area. Its made the total of 49 water discharges of 3 tons each. Another helicopter of the Almaty rescue service was also used during the fire extinguishing; it released water 17 times (3 tons each time). 30 tons of additional water was delivered in a tank train. Additional water pipelines were laid too. The Emergency Situations Department of Almaty formed an investigation team to work at the case. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Besides, six people were arrested by the police during the fire at the flea market in Almaty. They were caught stealing while everyone was distracted by the fire.